From the airport to the city centre Mayotte

To get to Mamoudzou from the airport, you'll need about an hour, if you're wide. The first thing you'll need to do is take a cab to the barge, an ordeal that's not at all difficult, as cabs crowd the airport exit and there's stiff competition for your attention. No need to negotiate, the price is fixed and the same for everyone: €2 without luggage (as everywhere else) and €1 per suitcase. The journey takes around 15 minutes and the driver will drop you off at the foot of the barge. Then just follow the flow of people and wait for the next boat (every 30 minutes during the day), which will take around 20 minutes to reach the Mamoudzou quay. To this must be added around 20 minutes to load and unload the boat. If you've rented a car yourself, reception is usually in the airport parking lot. You'll then have a choice of barges, with the amphidrome from Quai Ballou accommodating more cars. The trip is free in the direction Petite-Terre to Grande-Terre.

Arrival by boat Mayotte

Shipping to Mayotte takes place several times a week, via the other islands of the Comoros, especially Anjouan. The Maria Galanta, the Gombessa and the Citadelle are three vessels operated by Société générale de transport maritime (SGTM). It should be noted that this link is also used to return illegal immigrants to their countries of origin..

Public transport Mayotte

There is no bus system in Mayotte, but cabs are the closest thing to public transport, as some are collective and have fixed destinations. What's more, they remain the most affordable means of travel, serving the whole island: urban cabs in town, intercity cabs or taxi-brousse in the villages. But timetables are very unpredictable and make you dependent on them, as they may stop in every district or village before reaching your final destination... As for bush cabs, they don't cost much; they can be very useful, but only on an occasional basis. It's up to you to get to your destination and find the right cab. It's best not to leave with the impression that this is the ideal way to discover Mayotte. City cab fares are just €2 per person, €3 in the evening (from 7pm to 11pm) and on public holidays. The longest journeys are to Passi Kéli at €6.90, Acoua at €6.30 and Dapani at €5.40, a far cry from metropolitan rates. They are very useful in Mamoudzou and Petite-Terre, as they pass by often and know all the directions. They are present at all plane and barge arrivals and departures.

Bike, scooters & co Mayotte

Electric bicycles have recently made their appearance, making it easier to avoid traffic jams. However, rental companies are few and far between and bikes are rare on the roads, so plan ahead if this is your chosen mode of transport. Above all, you need to be vigilant, as motorists don't yet have the appropriate driving reflexes.

By car Mayotte

This is the best way to discover Mayotte at your leisure. Mayotte is home to some of the world's leading car rental companies, but there are also rental companies based mainly in Petite-Terre and Mamoudzou, more specifically in the Kawéni industrial zone. Some rental companies will wait for you when you get off the plane or at the barge in Mamoudzou (check with the rental company), or deliver to your hotel. However, you can get off the plane and find a rental car directly at the airport, where new buildings dedicated to the island's main rental companies have been set up opposite the terminal. For the others, you'll need to collect your vehicle from the rental agency. They may have opening hours with lunch breaks. So be careful when you pick up and drop off your car. If you're renting a car, make sure you're over 22, have at least 2 years' driving experience and a credit card for the deposit. We recommend booking in advance, as the number of cars on the island is limited. Finally, it is possible to transfer your car between Petite and Grande-Terre for a fee, using the vehicle barge or amphidrome. This ticket can be purchased in Mamoudzou, at the pedestrian barge counters (from €15 for a small vehicle, €0.75 for passengers and pedestrians). You only pay when leaving Mamoudzou, never in the Petite-Terre-Mamoudzou direction.

As far as driving in Mayotte is concerned, you should always bear in mind that zebus, goats and children can cross the road without warning... So it's important to respect speed limits and safety distances. Be particularly vigilant when visibility is poor, on bends for example, as this is often where there is a risk of collision with a car trying to overtake.

Accessibility Mayotte

From a local point of view, since October 2010, people with disabilities have finally had a place to centralize the administrative procedures to be carried out thanks to the House of Disabled People "MDPH" in Mamoudzou-Kawéni ([email protected] - 0269 62 96 20). The opening of the House allows the implementation of a policy in favour of disabled people. Disability concerns 3,000 to 5,000 people in Mayotte, but only 1,000 are known; many are still unaware of their rights: recognition of their disability in the workplace, educational guidance, allowances, disability card, etc.

For visitors , some accommodation facilities are equipped for people in wheelchairs. However, in general, the island does not have sufficient ramps and inclined spaces.

Tourist traps Mayotte

Scams are very rare in Mayotte (or even almost non-existent?), but it's a good idea to always check the condition of the vehicle you're renting, especially if you're only partially insured. Always check with your rental company that all roads are accessible with your vehicle, and we can only recommend all-inclusive insurance, or at least the glass breakage option, given the social tensions that can quickly resurface. Safety rules to be observed while driving: always lock the doors when driving, never leave your handbag on the passenger seat, avoid leaving your vehicle in an isolated area.